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Pietersen added to India Test party

The England selectors today announced that Kevin Pietersen has been added to the Test squad for the forthcoming tour of India.

The decision was made after Pietersen met with Andy Flower, Alastair Cook and a number of other senior players and members of England team management in Oxford earlier this week.

ECB Managing Director - England Cricket, Hugh Morris said: "We were keen that Kevin should hold a series of face-to-face meetings with team management and senior players before the Test squad departs for the UAE and India next week.

“The meetings were constructive and cordial and all outstanding issues have been resolved. All the England players and management are now keen to draw a line under this matter and fully focus on the cricketing challenge that lies ahead in India.”

ECB National Selector Geoff Miller added: “We are pleased to welcome a player of Kevin's proven international calibre back into the Test squad for such an important series.

“As we anticipate that Ian Bell will return home for the birth of his first child around the time of the 2nd Test in Mumbai, the team will benefit from having an extra batsman in the squad and all players who were originally selected for the tour will fly out as planned next week.

“Kevin will join up with the squad as soon as his Champions League commitments are complete.”